Boris Johnson has been pictured by Sky News making his way back to the UK.

The former prime minister has been on holiday in the Dominican Republic but is set to return to London after telling an ally that he will run to lead the country again.

He is flying back in economy alongside his wife and children, and the picture was taken by Sky’s Michael Herd.

Next UK prime minister – latest: Sunak’s team say he’s hit 100 backers

Mr Johnson and his family boarded the plane before everyone else – and according to our US correspondent Mark Stone, there was a “mixed reaction”.

He reports that several passengers looked “slightly bewildered” and there were a few boos, adding: “Mr Johnson is sitting in economy, quite near the back of the plane, with his wife and children – one of his children climbing on top of him.

“He’s in a suit, his head forward, deep in thought, but moments before that one of his children was climbing on top of him – a family coming back from their holidays.”

Our correspondent added that the former prime minister has been in the Dominican Republic for the past two weeks – and there had been much speculation about when he would return.

It is not known if he has cut his trip short.

‘I’m up for it… I’m going to do it’

Mr Johnson is returning just six weeks after he was asked to resign amid a series of cabinet scandals during his time in Downing Street.

Conservative MP Sir James Duddridge told Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig that Mr Johnson is planning a second bid for Downing Street – saying he is “up for it” and “I’m going to do it, Dudders!”.

Speculation has been growing over whether the former prime minister will attempt to return to the top job.

Mr Johnson is currently one of three frontrunners in the race and has garnered the support of four cabinet ministers. He is expected to officially throw his hat in the ring sometime this morning.

Read more:
Truss urged to forgo PM’s £115,000 annual allowance
We will have a new PM, but it’s hard to see how it stops the rot | Beth Rigby analysis

To have a chance at taking office again, he will need the backing of 100 Tory MPs.

However, he would have to defeat former chancellor Rishi Sunak – and his campaign claims they have already topped that threshold.

Earlier, a Johnson ally said the former prime minister has a “firm 67” nominations.

To register your interest in joining the audience please email TheGreatDebate@sky.uk